The important contributions of female psychologists are often overlooked.

Where Are All the Women in Psychology History?

Estimates suggest that in the early 1900s, roughly 12% of psychologists in the United States were women.

Several of these pioneering women psychologists faced considerable discrimination, obstacles, and difficulties.

These women deserve to be recognized for their pioneering work.

The following are just a few of the women who helped shape psychology.

However, the famous psychoanalyst’s daughterAnna Freudwas a well-known and influential psychologist in her own right.

Among her many accomplishments were introducing the concept ofdefense mechanismsand expanding interest in the field ofchild psychology.

Regardless, Calkins went on to become the first female president of theAmerican Psychological Association(APA).

Mary Ainsworth

Mary Ainsworthwas an important developmental psychologist.

Leta Stetter Hollingworth

Leta Stetter Hollingworthwas an early pioneer of psychology in the United States.

Despite a life cut short, her influence and contributions to psychology were impressive.

Karen Horney

Karen Horneywas an influential neo-Freudian psychologistknown for her take on feminine psychology.

Her outspoken refutation of Freud’s ideas helped draw greater attention to the psychology of women.

Kleinian psychoanalysis remains a major school of thought within the field of psychoanalysis.

Mamie Phipps Clark

In textbooks,Mamie Phipps Clarkis often only mentioned in passing.

Clark became the first Black woman to earn a degree from Columbia University.

Her research on racial identity and self-esteem helped pave the way for future research on self-concept among minorities.

She studied at Johns Hopkins University and completed a dissertation titled “The Algebra of Logic”.

However, the school did not permit women to receive a Ph.D. at that time.

Margaret Floy Washburn

Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to be awarded aPh.D.

She conducted her graduate studies with Edward B. Titchener and was his first graduate student.

Despite this, she became a well-respected researcher, writer, and lecturer.

Washburn’s primary research interests were in the areas of animal cognition and basic physiological processes.

Eleanor Maccoby

The nameEleanor Maccobyis likely familiar to anyone who has ever studieddevelopmental psychology.

The Maccoby Book Award is named in her honor.

While they were once a minority in psychology, the tides have turned dramatically.

Schultz DP, Schultz SE.A History of Modern Psychology.

2015;51(3):261-284. doi:10.1002/jhbs.21729

National Women’s History Museum.Leta Stetter Hollingsworth.

Hollingworth LS.Functional periodicity; an experimental study of the mental and motor abilities of women during menstruation.

The Melanie Klein Trust.The beginnings of child analysis.

2016;76:219-239. doi:10.1057/s11231-016-9045-6

American Psychological Association.Mamie Phipps Clark, PhD, and Kenneth Clark, PhD.

Vassar College.Christine Ladd-Franklin.Vassar Encyclopedia.

American Psychological Association.Margaret Floy Washburn, PhD.

Gunnar MR, Phillips DA.Great leaders in developmental psychology: Eleanor Maccoby, PhD.

University of Oregon.Celebrating Women’s History Month: The ladies of psychology.

Chelsey K.Stanford psychologist Eleanor Maccoby dies at 101.Stanford News.